UPDATE: Search continues for woman missing in Penticton house fire

PENTICTON – A 94-year-old woman is missing after a massive house fire that spread to a neighbouring home in Penticton last night.

Fire crews were called to the blaze at approximately 6:15 p.m. yesterday, Oct. 12, to the home in the 3900 block of Lakeside Road.

A 94-year-old woman living in the home is unaccounted for, according to RCMP. The people in the home next door were able to get out out safely.

Deputy chief Chris Forster says the home was fully engulfed in flames when his crews arrived last night.

"It was starting to collapse, so we concentrated on the exposure to the house next door. We were able to save most of the structure on the exposure side, but there was also major damage to that structure as well," Forster says.

Firefighters will be assisted by an excavator today as rubble is removed so hot spots can be put out.

Police and fire crews are also continuing to search for the elderly resident of the first residence.

RCMP are also on scene in a investigating the fire.

Eastside Road remains closed at the scene, with a detour via Brantford Avenue.

— This story was updated at 8:15 p.m. and at 10:50 a.m.Thursday, Oct. 12 with additional details from the Penticton Fire Department.

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